Local Leaders Applaud Colonial Dames’ Decision

Local leaders expressed positive feelings about the proposal made by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Missouri (NSCDA-MO) to donate its historic properties and sell the Centre for French Colonial Life to the National Park Service (NPS).

“I’m excited about it,” Ste. Genevieve Mayor Paul Hassler said. “I’m happy for the NPS. I think it’s going to be good for the city. I know it’s going be good for the Colonial Dames because, looking at the [February 13 Herald] article, there’s a lot of work to do to the properties. I just think it’s going to be great.”

Sara Menard, president of the Foundation For Restoration of Ste. Genevieve, Inc., and owner of Sara’s Ice Cream downtown, was enthusiastic about the proposal.

“I was very pleased and excited,” she said. “I think it will be beneficial for everybody involved. I think the Colonial Dames were wise to make that move.”

In January, the NSCDA-MO sent a letter to NPS officials offering its five historic buildings — including the 18th century Louis Bolduc House, Jean-Baptiste Valle House and Francois Valle II House — in addition to the museum that opened last year at 198 Market St. in the former Bank of Ste. Genevieve/First Bank building.

See complete story in the February 20 edition of the Herald.

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